Are Retreat Sales at Risk from the Economy?
There’s one question that keeps popping into conversations lately. My clients ask it, friends wonder about it, and yes, even I’ve pondered it: Is the current economic uncertainty and international trade tension making people hesitate about investing in retreats?
As a Retreat Architect™ and strategist, curiosity is practically my middle name, so I went digging for answers. Here’s what I found. It's surprisingly positive.
Travel Isn't Shrinking…It's Shifting
International travel to the U.S. is down about $12.5 billion this year according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. Why? Visa hurdles and tariff uncertainties are nudging travelers toward easier, more accessible locations.
But here’s the great news: domestic travel is still strong. When given a choice, people aren’t canceling travel; they’re just being more intentional about where they go and why.
And guess what? Retreats fit perfectly into this!
Wellness Travel is Booming
According to Allied Market Research, the wellness retreat industry is expected to double from $180.5 billion in 2022 to $363.9 billion by 2032. This is huge!
Travelers today don't just want relaxation. They crave meaningful experiences offering clarity, community, and genuine growth. (Sound familiar? That’s a retreat!)
Nature is the Ultimate Luxury
Mastercard’s 2025 Travel Trends Report highlights a rising passion for nature-focused retreats. Think Sedona (my vibrant, high-vibe Arizona backyard!), Costa Rica, the Catskills, and Finland’s national parks. Simplicity, solitude, and a break from hustle culture is exactly what people are searching for.
Pro Tip: Emphasize the restorative nature elements in your marketing. Make it clear how your retreat reconnects attendees with the peace and beauty of the natural world.
Corporate Retreats Are Back, Big-Time
Honestly, this one surprised me a bit but in the best way as a former corporate soldier. Corporate wellness retreats are expected to surge from $254 billion to $282 billion by 2025. Companies now realize the immense value of face-to-face experiences that boost team cohesion, productivity, and wellness.
Pro Tip: Consider offering specialized corporate retreat packages that clearly outline their tangible benefits for team building and well-being.
Fresh Economic Insights: Inflation and Consumer Confidence
Today, insights from SoFi perfectly align with our conversation. Inflation isn’t just easing; it's chilling out (my words, not theirs 😊). The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed another month of lower-than-expected increases, particularly in energy, cars, and airfare prices. Translation: Consumers may feel cautious, but they’re actually experiencing fewer price shocks than anticipated.
This pairs perfectly with McKinsey's latest consumer data: people are spending less on material goods but still prioritize experiences that nourish their soul and align with their value. That means now more than ever, your retreat needs to walk the talk; delivering real transformation, clarity, and meaningful connection, not just a pretty view and a goodie bag.
It’s important to note, however, SoFi experts advise that it's still a bit too soon to fully grasp the long-term effects of trade policy changes.
Anecdotally, I've noticed a bit of "wait-and-see" with bookings of late. To adapt, I'm providing flexible payment options like Affirm financing and monthly payment plans to clients, plus suggesting slightly more flexible cancellation policies. Remember, options are always better than no options!
Bottom Line: Retreats are Essential Wellness Investments
Retreats aren't a luxury. They’re investments in clarity, community, and intentional living. Gen Z and millennials especially are leading this purposeful spending shift.
Your Essential Takeaways:
Wellness and nature-based retreats: They're super hot. Clearly communicate how your retreat meets these demands.
Corporate retreats: Huge opportunity. Develop packages focused on team wellness.
Consumer spending: Purposeful and intentional. Highlight retreats as essential wellness investments.
Inflation trends: Positive, creating room for purposeful spending.
Tariff impacts: Still evolving. Stay flexible and adjust thoughtfully.
Local travel: Minimize the impact of reduced foreign trave and double down on intra US .
Marketing: Clearly match your retreat to current trends and authentically deliver on promises.
Feeling uncertain about navigating these trends? That's exactly what I specialize inhelping purpose-driven entrepreneurs create profitable, impactful retreats without overwhelm.
Ready to make your retreat soulful, sustainable, and wildly successful?
Let’s connect!
Find me on Instagram @azsoulretreats or visit my landing page at www.azsoulretreats.com.
Sources:
Mastercard Economics Institute, “2025 Travel Trends,” May 12, 2025.
World Travel & Tourism Council, “U.S. Economy Set to Lose $12.5BN,” May 13, 2025.
Allied Market Research, “Wellness Retreat Market Report,” 2023.
Courtney Rehfeldt, Athletech News, May 20, 2025.
McKinsey & Company, “State of the US Consumer,” May 2025.
Mario Ismailanji, SoFi “Decoding Markets: May Inflation,” June 12, 2025.